CER:  Congratulations on making it to the state tournament.  How does it make you feel?

PALKA:  Great.  It was one of my personal goals at the beginning of the season and I did everything I could to attain that goal.

FRANCIS:  Really good.  Making states was one of my goals too.  I was really disappointed when I didn’t make it last year; I lost a tough match in the blood round at regionals.  I worked really hard all season to make sure I made it this year.

CER:  Nearly two weeks pass between the regional and state tournaments.  How do you prepare?

FRANCIS:  We go work out with Livonia Churchill, Livonia Franklin, and John Glenn.

PALKA:  We typically get matched up with other state qualifiers.  The practices are much more focused and intense than a standard practice; you push yourself harder.

CER:  Who sets up these practices?

SCHMIDT:  I arrange things with the Churchill and Franklin coaches.  Laith is very outgoing and has a lot of friends at John Glenn.  He arranged the workouts with them.

CER:  Has weight maintenance been an issue?

PALKA:  Yes.  I don’t binge, and try to keep the same eating habits, but it’s difficult.

FRANCIS:  Yes.  I try not to binge either, but my mom has a lot of good food around the house so it’s tough to resist.

CER:  Are you familiar with the state weigh-in rules?  Do you have a plan?

SCHMIDT:  Yes.  I have explained them fully to both wrestlers.  Coach Haller and I will maintain careful supervision.

CER:  Do you have goals for your state tournament outcome?

FRANCIS:  I want to become all-state.  I have looked at the bracket and I think I have a good shot.

PALKA:  I also want to make all-state.  If I wrestle smart I think I can do it.

CER:  What wrestling experience did you have before high school?

FRANCIS:  I began wrestling for Coach Schmidt in third grade.

PALKA:  Same here, but I started in sixth grade.

CER:  Was it an advantage or disadvantage to wrestle for a Division 4 school?

PALKA:  I think it was an advantage.  Most people would consider us underdogs, and I think that is an advantage.

CER:  What are your thoughts on participating in the Observerland Tournament?  Is it exciting or intimidating going up against some of the strongest Division 1 teams and individuals in the state?

FRANCIS:  I enjoy the competition.  I think it helps prepare us for the level of competition we will see in the post-season.

PALKA:  I think it’s great.  When we have several guys place it proves that Lutheran Westland can go anywhere and compete.

SCHMIDT:  It’s my favorite tournament – aside from our own Lutheran Westland Invitational of course.  I think it’s a great experience for my wrestlers, even the ones that aren’t experienced.

CER:  What are your plans following high school?

FRANCIS:  I haven’t decided on a college yet, but I want to continue wrestling while in college.

PALKA:  I will be going to the University of Michigan, studying Medicine.  The state tournament will be the final chapter of my wrestling career.

CER:  Is there anything more you would like me to add?

PALKA:  Yes.  I think Coach Schmidt is the best wrestling coach in the state and he should get some recognition for all that he has done.